# First printing press in Kraków (1473)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1473-first-printing-press-in-krakow
Location: Kraków

Kasper Straube printed the first book in Poland in Kraków, bringing printing to the kingdom. Within the broader Jagiellonian Age period: The union with Lithuania created one of Europe's largest states. Victory over the Teutonic Order, the rise of noble democracy and a brilliant Renaissance culture marked the Jagiellonian golden age. At this point in the timeline (1473), the governing authority was Casimir IV Jagiellon (King of Poland). Won the Thirteen Years' War, regaining Pomerelia and Warmia, and placed his sons on the thrones of Bohemia and Hungary. First printing press in Kraków mattered because cultural achievements helped preserve and define Polish identity and influence beyond its borders. The event is placed here so readers can follow it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion and culture across Polish history.

## Why it matters
First printing press in Kraków mattered because cultural achievements helped preserve and define Polish identity and influence beyond its borders.

Ruler at the time: [Casimir IV Jagiellon](https://poland-history.com/rulers/casimir-iv-jagiellon)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Kasper Straube](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasper_Straube)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — First printing press in Kraków](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=First+printing+press+in+Krak%C3%B3w)
- [Wikipedia — Jagiellonian dynasty (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagiellonian_dynasty)